R.I.P. Herbert Lom

Herbert Lom, best known as Inspector Clouseau’s frustrated boss in the Pink Panther movies, died today at his home in London. He was 95. Lom appeared in more than 100 films, including Spartacus and El Cid, but his most memorable role came in the Pink Panther franchise as Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus, boss to the bumbling Clouseau played by Peter Sellers. His son Alec Lom said his father cherished the time he worked with Sellers. “He had many funny stories about the antics that he and Peter Sellers got up to on the set. It was a nightmare working with Peter because he was a terrible giggler and, between my father and Peter’s laughter, they ruined dozens and dozens of takes”, he told The Associated Press. Lom’s first major film role came in 1942 when he was cast as Napolean in The Young Mr. Pitt. His other film credits include The Seventh Veil, Night And The City, War And Peace, The Ladykillers and 1962’s The Phantom Of the Opera.